Cradle to C oast l i n e s newsletter of the cradle coast natural resource management committee
Edition 2 • 2014
in this issue: community activities
2
events and news
3
biodiversity
6
project updates
7
Feature Story A passion for Shorebirds Pages 4-5
Image: Waterfall into Blythe River, Kaare Wind
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Community Activities
Link, learn and benefit Members of 15 Landcare, Coastcare, and ‘Friends of’ volunteer community groups from across the Cradle Coast converged in Burnie for the second annual Cradle Coast NRM Link and Learn community forum on Saturday the 5th of April. The day provided an opportunity for groups to network with like-minded folk, share knowledge, and discuss NRM issues which resonate across the region. Guest speakers included Andrew Potter of North West Coastcare Association and Julie Hargreaves of Mount Roland Rivercare, as well as Mark Ritchie of Landcare Tasmania who provided important insights into the role of Landcare Tasmania. As the peak membership body for community Landcare in the state, Landcare Tasmania supports more than 200 community groups, a significant proportion of the volunteering community in Tasmania. Mark also highlighted the benefits and support available to groups that are members of Landcare Tasmania including their role as an independent voice for all Landcare members. Although not an official guest speaker Damian Heran of Fishcare Tasmania certainly proved to be a popular attendee providing a wealth of information about fishing in the Cradle Coast region. After networking over lunch, attendees moved into Coastal, Biodiversity and Land workshop groups which gave rise to lively discussion on issues affecting forum participants including weeds, insurance and training. New networks and links between groups were formed, with an enjoyable and informative day had by all.
Guest speakers Andrew Potter, Julie Hargreaves and Mark Ritchie
Community Group Sponsorship Cradle Coast NRM is offering up to $500 sponsorship per year to community groups working in the Cradle Coast region to support community group projects. Sponsorship is open to all Landcare, Coastcare, Aboriginal and Friends of groups participating in NRM activities in the Cradle Coast region. Sponsorship is aimed at supporting groups to undertake small scale on-ground projects, communications and capacity building of volunteers. Download your copy of the Cradle Coast NRM Community Group Sponsorship guidelines and application form at www.cradlecoastnrm.com
World Oceans Day – Protecting the ocean together People around the world depend on a healthy, clean ocean in order to survive and thrive. World Oceans Day is the official UN-designated international day of ocean celebration. Held annually on the 8th of June, World Oceans Day is a day to celebrate the ocean, its importance in our lives and how we can help to protect it. World Oceans Day aims to help people make a difference in their community, and the world, by taking
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action to protect the ocean for present and future generations. Perhaps this year you could clean up your favourite beach, read stories with ocean themes to your children, or take them on a beach treasure hunt looking for marine debris? For more great information, educational resources for teachers and families, and ideas on how to get involved visit the hot topics section on www.cradlecoastnrm.com
DID YOU KNOW? • Every year, over six million tonnes of rubbish is dumped into the world’s oceans. An estimated 80% of this is plastic, with 10% being plastic bags. Plastic is responsible for killing one million sea birds and over 100,000 sea mammals each year. • Turtles, whales and sea birds mistake plastic bags for food or get entangled in them resulting in painful injuries or even death.
Events and News
Little birds on a big journey – Farewell migratory shorebirds! Each year thousands of shorebirds leave Tasmania to make the long migration to the Arctic. It’s a journey of 10,000 kilometres, equivalent to four return trips from Melbourne to Perth – an impressive effort for species as small as sparrows!
FACTS ABOUT FLYWAYS Flyways are virtual corridors followed by migrating birds. Shorebirds are known to use any of eight Flyways identified around the world. In North West Tasmania, most migrating birds use the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.
Each year in the Cradle Coast region we say
It stretches from Australia and New Zealand north to
farewell to more than 4,000 Red-necked Stints
Siberia, northern China and Alaska. It encompasses 23
(a tiny species only 13 – 16cm long) from the
countries, and nearly half the world’s human population.
Robbins Passage area. Approximately 400 Ruddy Turnstones and 200 Pacific Golden Plovers also take off from our shores to follow the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. To mark this incredible journey, Birdlife Australia launched a nationwide event – Farewell Shorebirds – focusing on the fascinating lives of some of the 35 species of Shorebirds. Farewell Shorebirds ran from mid-April until mid-May, concluding on World Migratory Bird Day on the 10th of May.
Shorebirds face many threats during their travels, from loss of feeding grounds through development, to the effects of climate change. Australia is signatory to a range of international instruments developed to promote international collaboration for the conservation of migratory birds. It’s important for all countries in a Flyway to share conservation agreements to ensure the future of these amazing birds. This story was compiled with thanks to Birdlife Australia. Read more about our region’s fascinating migrating birds at www.cradlecoastnrm.com
Northward migration to the breeding grounds typically takes place from March to early June, whilst the return migration to nonbreeding areas occurs from July to October. During migration, shorebirds stop off in special areas, typically rich tidal flats, called “staging sites”, where they feed intensively to build up stores of fat and protein to fuel the next leg of their flight.
Red-necked Stint
Vale David Leicester It is with sadness that we note the passing of David Leicester, an inspirational lead volunteer in the region’s Shorebird Monitoring Project. David’s enthusiasm for the shorebirds and willingness to mentor others with his extensive knowledge and experience will be missed. Cradle Coast NRM extends condolences to David’s family and gratitude for the time he gave to both shorebird conservation and community education.
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Passion for Shorebird conservation There was a distinct buzz in the room when volunteers from Cradle Coast NRM’s Shorebird Monitoring Project came together in February to celebrate their achievements, share monitoring stories and hear Birdlife Tasmania present research results from within the region. The annual function was held in Burnie and was well attended by almost half of the 100 participants in the Shorebird Monitoring Project. After four and a half years, the project is still going strong thanks to the commitment and passion of volunteers who undertake twice-yearly counts of select shorebird species along the coastline from Stanley to Narawntapu National Park. A key feature of the February gathering was a presentation by Dr Eric Woehler of Birdlife Tasmania. Dr Woehler and research partner Dr Valeria Ruoppolo compiled shorebird observations and records of novices, professionals, volunteers and paid researchers from the West Coast of Tasmania. The presentation included an interesting array of information on migratory bird habitat, distribution and nesting behaviours that had many parallels to the Cradle Coast resident shorebird study area.
Far North West Tasmania is well known as the most important area in Tasmania for migratory shorebirds, with more shorebirds found in the Robbins Passage – Boullanger Bay area than the rest of the state combined. Less well known is the distribution and abundance of resident species of beach-nesting shorebirds that are present year-round and rely on the coastal margins for their nesting, feeding and roosting. It’s these often unnoticed species that are the focus of the region’s volunteer project and the data collected is valued by a host of agencies including Birdlife Australia (Shorebird 2020 Project & The Atlas), the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (Natural Values Atlas) and Birdlife Tasmania. Combining the Shorebird Monitoring Project volunteers’ passion for conservation with data and findings from their own and other research was a great spark for conversations and well-deserved feelings of pride amongst the group. Volunteers could clearly see the link between their monitoring work, the accumulation of trend data and how this shapes conservation decisions made locally, state-wide and nationally - a great sense of satisfaction for a job well done.
Dionna Newton presenting at the Shorebird Monitoring Project function
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Feature Story
Working for better Shorebird breeding sites The NRM principle of taking an ecosystem approach came to life recently at the Pardoe Conservation Area in a project that demonstrated the direct impact weeds can have on shorebird breeding. The invasive Sea Spurge weed has been adversely changing the landscape of Pardoe Beach by restricting the natural movement of dunes that can create steep banks. Beach-nesting birds’ natural habitat comprises undulating, unrestricted dunes for their breeding sites which extends from the high tide line to the dunes and it’s these habitats that offer the greatest chance of chick-rearing success. Based on input from Cradle Coast NRM’s Project Officer and Shorebird Monitoring volunteers, beaches were selected within the Pardoe Conservation Area for Sea Spurge control. With a Parks and Wildlife Service permit in hand, weeds were controlled late last year. By the time of the late Summer Shorebird Monitoring count, the positive impact of the weeding work was evident. Project volunteers heard accounts of three Hooded Plover chicks being raised in the recently cleared areas. One juvenile Hooded Plover was reported with an adult pair a short while later. In addition to the incursion of weeds, resident shorebirds also contend with recreational vehicles on the dry-sand section of the beach and the effects of a general population largely unaware of their presence. Through the good work of the 100-strong Cradle Coast NRM Shorebird Monitoring volunteers and Project Coordinator Hazel Britton, community awareness is rising. And if we all keep in mind the consequences and relationships between flora, fauna and our own behaviours, our region’s natural resources will continue to improve. For more information on the Shorebird Monitoring project, contact Dionna Newton – Project Officer: Coastal, Estuarine & Marine – on 6431 6285.
Top: Juvenile Hooded Plover Middle: A breeding pair of adult Hooded Plovers, by Els Haywood Bottom: An established sea spurge infestation
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Biodiversity
Image: Alex Spink
Sharing Leven River local knowledge Under rainy skies befitting discussion of waterways, flood plains and river hydrology, a group of local land managers gathered in Gunns Plains on 29 March for a Leven River Recovery field day. Farming neighbours with Leven River properties met at the Wings Wildlife Park to hear from specialists and locals with first-hand experiences in restoring the banks of this valuable water source. The event was organised by Cradle Coast NRM’s Biodiversity Coordinator, Ali Dugand, in partnership with Greening Australia Tasmania. This partnership has been a support to delivering positive outcomes for the Leven catchment over the last 10 years thanks in large part to the interest and commitment of local landholders. Demonstrations of willow removal and revegetation works have been supported with information sharing and knowledge-building so participants better understand the impacts of woody weeds within a flood plain and how different management practices influence water quality and riverbank health downstream. This collaborative and incremental approach was demonstrated at the Leven River Recovery field day with guest presenters Todd Walsh, Alex Spink,
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Greg Jordan, Jim McLeod and host Colin Wing sharing their experiences. Together they covered: • Willow invasion impacts, from a farmer’s perspective • Water quality measurements, based on Giant freshwater lobsters and aquatic bugs • Improved stock management practices • The importance of bank stability and soil retention • Flood mitigation techniques • Restoration methods and tips for long-term maintenance • Options for willow removal and the value of follow-up. You can see a repeat performance of the field day information in an online video available from: www.cradlecoastnrm.com/hot-topics-current/sharingleven-river-local-knowledge
Additional detail on best practices for river restorations can also be sourced from Biodiversity Coordinator, Ali Dugand, at adugand@cradlecoast.com
Weed |wiːd| (noun): an undesirable or troublesome plant, especially one that grows profusely where it is not wanted. If you’ve ever tried to remove or even reduce a blackberry infestation, you’ll know what a prickly and difficult task it can be. With their ability to smother native vegetation, relentless growth habit, and voracious runners, blackberries well deserve their Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) status. However, an equally persistent focus on weed control can pay, as has been demonstrated near Sisters Beach in the Rocky Cape National Park along the East Boulevard. Cradle Coast NRM first started tackling blackberries in this area as part of the 2010 Coastal Weeds Project. Native coastal vegetation was at risk of being over-run and so contractors set to work cutting and spraying to remove this threat.
Follow up work, with funding from the Weeds of National Significance Project, was conducted in 2011 and again in 2013 to keep any incursions at bay.
Project Updates
Weed control follow up: it works!
When the Cradle Coast NRM monitoring team visited the site again in February this year, they gave a collective sigh of relief and hearty congratulations to the professional weed control contractors when they found that the blackberries were no longer a threat to the local environment. What was experienced in this blackberry case, is a good example of the effort and resources required to be successful in weed control. Initial control can be wasted if there is no time, materials or funding commitment for follow-up; so create a plan, grit your teeth and we hope you’re inspired by our local success story. For more information on weed control works and procedures in the Cradle Coast region, contact Project Officer, Mark Wisniewski on 6431 6285.
Schools focus on natural resources With the aim of creating a closer working relationship with schools and providing quality delivery of environmental conservation messages and resources, Cradle Coast NRM is taking a different approach to school programs this year. By working closely with a small number of schools throughout 2014 Sherrie Jaffray, the new Community Education Project Officer, will be able to provide students with a deeper understanding of the environment in which they live and the issues involved in the sustainability of our natural resources. This year Cradle Coast NRM is working with Somerset Primary, Cooee Primary, Stella Maris and Yolla District High School. Yolla and Stella Maris are currently putting the finishing touches on their plans, whilst Somerset and Cooee teachers are looking forward to commencing activities shortly. Somerset Primary has a patch of threatened vegetation, Melaleuca
Ericifolia (Swamp Paperbark) within the school grounds and teachers are using this area for outdoor learning experiences tied to the Australian Curriculum. In conjunction with Cradle Coast NRM the school will be extending the area via revegetation including the chance for every child at the school to plant a tree. The school will also be celebrating biodiversity month in September and are planning an Environmental Expo to educate on a variety of environmental themes. Cooee Primary has the good fortune to be located right on the beach and will be utilising this natural resource to educate and inspire their students to be experts on their patch. Plans are underway to engage students in hands-on learning about the coast, what lives in that environment, and how they can look after and monitor its health. Opportunities for schools to be involved in the 2015 program will be offered toward the end of 2014.
NRM News for Schools Cradle Coast NRM has recently launched a new e-newsletter specifically for the school community – NRM News for Schools. The newsletter will be sent regularly to all schools in the Cradle Coast region with events, information, planning tools and links to online resources to assist teachers in delivering sustainability targets within the Australian Curriculum. To find out more, or to receive NRM News for Schools, contact Sherrie Jaffray, Community Education Project Officer, on 6431 6285 or sjaffray@cradlecoast.com
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Upcoming Events
Staff R ichard In gram Executi v e O f f i c e r
June
G ra nt P e arc e Opera ti on s M an age r
Friday 6 June Burnie Yacht Club from 12.30pm In support of Cradle Coast NRM’s Beachwatch project, Cradle Coast Authority and Cradle Coast NRM will be cleaning up the South Burnie Beach area. Join us and help keep the ocean clean of marine debris. For further details contact Project Officer, Sherrie Jaffray at sjaffray@cradlecoast.com or on 6431 6285.
World Oceans Day – Beach Clean Up
Er ns t K emm e re r S trategy & Im pl e me n t a t ion M a na g e r Apri l Lan ge rak I n formati o n M an ager Alis o n D u gan d C oordi nato r: B i o di ve r s it y
August/September
Anna Win d C oordi nato r: Co asta l
Circular Head, Devonport and Waratah-Wynyard Beachwatch groups will be conducting beach clean-ups at their adopted beaches throughout August and September. To get involved contact Project Officer, Dionna Newton at dnewton@cradlecoast.com
Beachwatch
Di o nna N e w to n Project Officer: Coastal, Estuarine & Marine S herri e J af f ray Pr o j ect Of f i c e r: C o m m u nit y Ed u c a t ion M ark Wi s n i e w sk i Pr o j ect Of f i c e r: G IS a nd N R M S pencer G i bbs C oordi nato r: Pro du c t iv e L a nd s c a p e s Br a d Gri f f i t h s Pr o j ect Of f i c e r: S u sta ina b le A g r ic ult ur e Tom O’M al l e y R egi ona l L an dc are Fa c ilit a t or Ka tri na Yo u n g Pr o j ect Of f i c e r: W e st C oa s t We e d a nd F ire Man age me n t G r ou p
Primary Producer Every fifth Thursday Spencer Gibbs, Cradle Coast NRM’s Productive Landscapes Coordinator, submits a Primary Producer article to The Advocate aimed at assisting farmers, large and small, protect, maintain and improve their properties. Keep an eye out for information on a broad range of topics including weed control, fire management, improving pasture productivity and how to reduce livestock emissions. If you have a Sustainable Agriculture story you would like to submit please contact Spencer with your ideas. The next story from Cradle Coast NRM is to be featured on Thursday 26 June 2014.
Unless otherwise acknowledged, this publication and the projects featured are supported by Cradle Coast NRM, through funding from the Australian Government.
Postage Paid Australia
Cradle Coast NRM 1-3 Spring Street PO Box 338 Burnie TAS 7320
ph: 03 6431 6285 fax: 03 6431 7014 email: nrm@cradlecoast.com Cradle Coast NRM is an independent committee hosted by the Cradle Coast Authority